Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are grateful for your cooperation during the pandemic emergency. We were able to stay safe and continue to provide our services because of your support and collaboration.

This Saturday, the Commonwealth will adopt CDC face-covering guidance. This news is good to hear and a sign that the risk of acquiring or infecting someone else with COVID-19 is decreasing.

We at the Library still have concerns for those who cannot be vaccinated, like our young visitors or others at a high risk of getting very ill if they get infected. We understand and will continue to monitor CDC guidelines closely, but we also know that the threats imposed by COVID-19 have not been eliminated.

We recognize that people in our community have different risk tolerance levels. This week a few vaccinated folks mentioned to the staff that they looked forward to removing their mask on Saturday. However, many more folks spoke to us about their concerns about lifting the mask requirement. Therein lies our challenge.

We urge everyone visiting the Library to be kind and to please wear a mask while visiting regardless of their vaccine status. If someone drops by the Library without a mask, we will offer you one.

Like many of you, I experience the inconvenience associated with masking every day. I would prefer not to wear it after I am fully vaccinated – one more shot to go. However, I choose and prefer tolerating this inconvenience if it ensures a sense of security for those whose concerns may be greater than mine. It’s a charitable act, and I believe it fosters the ties that bind the citizens of this great town.

Although patrons are free to come into the building, we will continue our curbside pickup services. If you wish to pick up your materials that way, give us a call and make an appointment as you do now.

Thank you.

~ joe